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My friend and I have opted for an upper and lower berth sleeper on VIA Rail's Canadian. I think these are just curtained. I have never been on an overnight VIA Rail before and wonder how it compares to Amtrak's sleeper situation. Esp, what is the luggage situation? Is there a place to keep our suitcase in the sleeper, the way there is on the Superliners (downstairs on those shelves near the door), or do we have to check the suitcase and just keep with us a carryon bag? Also, since we are going to Seattle later on the day we arrive in Vancouver, if we check luggage, can we leave it at Vancouver station and pick it up later in the day, when we are getting reading to leave for Seattle? Or do we have to pick it up and recheck it in the left luggage and then get it again for the Cascades train that evening?
Also, does anyone have any tips on what to order regarding the food? I have heard it is much better but wondered which items you most recommend. As we are just going between Jasper and Vancouver, we are getting just dinner and a continental breakfast, I believe.
Also, what is all this about an activities room as well as a dining car, observation car, and lounge? Anything special we should do to take advantage of all this?
Also, will getting on in Jasper be a problem? Will all the good seats in the observation car already be occupied by people on the long-distance haul from the east? Can you see well from other spots on the train?
Also, what does one tip on VIA Rail--same as Amtrak? I usually tip the sleeper atendant $5 a night, more if particularly solicitous. I usually tip $2-3 for dinner, $1-2 for lunch and $1-2 for breakfast. Is that about right?
Finally, are there any other differences that it will be helpful to know about?
Thanks for all the info.
MDRR Member # 2992
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Hi Sojourner, in regards to some of your questions, you can slide 1 small suitcase underneath your seat and then there is somewhat limited luggage storage at the opposite end of the sleeper from the berths. If you have something large or lg quantity I would check them. The food is excellent they have rotating menus so something different every night, so hard to say what menu you will have, but I have never had a bad meal on the Cdn. Miles ahead of Atk food! There will be at least 2 observation cars, maybe more depending on your dates of travel. You will find a large quantity of people boarding with you in Jasper. As soon as you board and get settled, I would go and try to grab seats. Have a great trip.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Rent the movie "Some Like it Hot" -- there's a hilarious scene with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis in the upper berth of one of those section sleepers. That'll give you an idea what to expect. (Of the berth, I mean!!)
In October my wife and I are taking the Canadian in a double bedroom from Toronto to Jasper, then in a section sleeper from Jasper to Vancouver, like you. I've never tried the section and want to have one in my logbook.
Let us know how your trip goes.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Good morning, Ms. Sojourner!!! I echo what MDRR said above. It seems like you are making the same connection I made in 1999. Concerning luggage at Vancouver, when I took my trip, I was able to leave my luggage in the baggage roomn at Vancouver, then pick it up later when I boarded the Cascade for Seattle. I don't know, though -- maybe things have changed since 9/11.........
Yes, the upper and lower berths on the Canadian are much like the old-fashioned berths American trains had back in the 20's and 30's -- see Henry K's remark about "Some Like It Hot."
Concerning the dome car, yes it does get pretty full, but while the train is stopped at Jasper, quite a few people get out and walk around, since the Jasper stop is an extended service stop, where they wash windows, change crews, etc., so grab a seat as soon as you get situated in your berth with your luggage, etc. And if you are traveling in the summer, there will be SEVERAL dome cars on the train. The one nearest your sleeping car will be the one in which you have your meals (the dining area is located below the dome seating), but if the dome gets too full, there are other domes as well.... (check out the "Park Car" at the very end of the train!!)
Have a great trip!! Looking forward to hearing your report, as always!!!
There are four main courses at each dinner. My trip was Toronto-Edmonton and return, so I haven't yet sampled the new menus between Jasper and Vancouver. The highlights from my trip were prime rib of beef, lamb loin and pickerel at dinner, smoked salmon on focaccia bread for lunch and various omelettes and Eggs Benedict for breakfast. For most of the year there will be three sittings for dinner: 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00. Not surprisngly, the domes will partially empty out when each sitting is announced. Boarding in Jasper westbound it is unlikely you will be able to get the second sitting. In fact, I have usually been stuck with the third.
The Skyline cars are no longer used for dining except for the coach-class one. For "Silver & Blue" (sleeper) passengers they are full lounge cars with a variety of activities. As in the Park car, there is always coffee, hot water, juices, cookies, muffins, etc., depending on the time of day. At 5:00 p.m. or so, hors d'oeuvres and a "Champagne type" wine (not one of Canada's better wines I must warn you) are served.
The luggage storage area at the back of the sleepers applies only to the Chateau series of sleeper. Most of the sleepers are the Manor series. I waved off some friends yesterday at Toronto; the Canadian had 16 sleepers (9 Manor, 7 Chateau,) two first class diners, four dome cars and just two coaches.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Once upon a time, there was a suitcase known as a Pullman, such was designed to fit under the seat of a Section.
royaltrain Member # 622
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Regarding the storage of baggage at Vancouver station: Silver & Blue (first Class) passengers may check their baggage for free at the Via ticket counter. I have done this many times, most recently last December. You can then pick it up and cross the station to the Cascades departure area where you will check in with U.S. Immigration. Customs for some odd reason is not done at the same time, but later at the Canada U.S. border where U.S. customs will board to ask for your written declaration form. This usually takes about ten minutes.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Hi Sojourner,
In more than 30 years of riding Amtrak trains I have had just one meal which rivaled those I had aboard the Canadian on a trip in 2004.
Since riding the Canadian, Auto-Train is the only overnight Amtrak train I've been able to get my wife on.
You are in for a treat.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thank you all so much for your input. I'm really looking forward to it. But I do hope I will still be able to enjoy Amtrak after sampling the delights of VIA Rail, David--that story about your wife scares me a little!!!
Well, I'm off on my travels next week and don't think I'll be able to be on line again before then (I have too much work to get done before leaving!) so I'll bid you all Happy Tracks, and "see" you here in June!!!!
train lady Member # 3920
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If you do log in Sojourner, have a wonderful time and stay well. We shall be looking forward to your return and report.
notelvis Member # 3071
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quote:Originally posted by sojourner: Thank you all so much for your input. I'm really looking forward to it. But I do hope I will still be able to enjoy Amtrak after sampling the delights of VIA Rail, David--that story about your wife scares me a little!!!
Well, I'm off on my travels next week and don't think I'll be able to be on line again before then (I have too much work to get done before leaving!) so I'll bid you all Happy Tracks, and "see" you here in June!!!!
In fairness, there have been extenuating circumstances that have kept my wife off the train. She is willing to give the California Zephyr or Coast Starlight, the two long-distance routes she has not been on, a try. I'd have to plan something to break the trip enroute (like an overnight stopover at Glenwood Springs) and something to compensate for probable late arrival such as jumping ship from the CZ in Sacramento rather than trying to go all the way to Emeryville.
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